President Soeharto's rule from 1967-98 was marked by economic development, political stability and close relations with the West. It was, however, marred by human rights abuses, centralised authoritarian rule, weakening of the non-executive branches of government and increased military involvement in politics and business. The final years of the Soeharto era were marked by growing public disenchantment and rising street protests, fuelled by the severe impact of the 1997 Asian financial crisis and the collapse of the rupiah. Having lost public, military and Cabinet support, Soeharto resigned on 21 May 1998.